I see a lot of discussion about warranties of pioneer plasma sets. My question is does anyone have hard data about repairs for these sets? Im pretty good with technology and imo warranties are the most over rated part of a sale unless the product has an inherent flaw from the factory. Meaning if it works out of the box and during its 30 day return window odds are it will work for many years barring an inherent flaw like what the SXRD had/has.

Feeling this way is buying from a non-authorized elite dealer worth the risk given the reward? To me it is upsetting that a company is allowed to specifically deny warranty based on what store you buy their product from. Obviously the product is being sold to these sellers so why should the consumer pay the price?

This isnt a "how to get pioneer to warranty a non authorized dealer plasma set" Im just looking on opinions and facts about the likelyhood of needing repair on such a premium product.

No one here has this information. This is proprietary information closely guarded by the manufacturers.

I see a lot of discussion about warranties of pioneer plasma sets. My question is does anyone have hard data about repairs for these sets? Im pretty good with technology and imo warranties are the most over rated part of a sale unless the product has an inherent flaw from the factory. Meaning if it works out of the box and during its 30 day return window odds are it will work for many years barring an inherent flaw like what the SXRD had/has.

Feeling this way is buying from a non-authorized elite dealer worth the risk given the reward? To me it is upsetting that a company is allowed to specifically deny warranty based on what store you buy their product from. Obviously the product is being sold to these sellers so why should the consumer pay the price?

This isnt a "how to get pioneer to warranty a non authorized dealer plasma set" Im just looking on opinions and facts about the likelyhood of needing repair on such a premium product.
I read in Consumer Reports the repair rate for Pio is 1-3% ( Can't remember exaclty). I agree about the warranty refusal fro "non authorized dealer" purchases. If the retailer bought it directly form Pioneer and they refuse the warranty to the consumer that is pretty pathetic.

I read in Consumer Reports the repair rate for Pio is 1-3% ( Can't remember exaclty). I agree about the warranty refusal fro "non authorized dealer" purchases. If the retailer bought it directly form Pioneer and they refuse the warranty to the consumer that is pretty pathetic.

1-3% is a good gamble imo.

Fellow Elite enthusiasts -- we are an Authorized Pioneer & Elite dealer AND servicenter. If you are fortunate enuff to be a Elite dealer, u also get to purchase regular Pioneer. BUT Pioneer will NOT sell Elite nor Pioneer unless you r authorized. Where these non-authorized deals come from at or near our cost is beyond me?
Whatever the case Mr Pizza-gattiman-i would NOT chance being without a warranty in that first 12 or 24 month period (warranty period for Pioneer vs Elite) !
Why you say? Because 50% of the repairs on TVs (dlp, lcd, plasma, etc) are performed within the first 12 months...the balance of our repairs are performed on sets 18-24 months old. This phenomenon has been occurring for the past 4 years-at least for us here in South Texas. Purchase that 5 yr extended warranty!
Average out of warranty repair is 6-800. + svc call -- and if the panel fails....bye, bye.
If u have questions...call us.
thanks, alan
audio video designs
361 857-7236
alanl715@aol.com

I read in Consumer Reports the repair rate for Pio is 1-3% ( Can't remember exaclty). I agree about the warranty refusal fro "non authorized dealer" purchases. If the retailer bought it directly form Pioneer and they refuse the warranty to the consumer that is pretty pathetic.Are you sure Pioneer was singled out for reliability stats? What I recall reading was that flatpanels (meaning plasmas/lcds of various brands) had around a 3% failure rate which was pretty much the same as crt's and better than rear projection. To the OP...I would never purchase something that expensive and complex without at least a manufacturers warranty. On the other hand...I feel that extended warranties on such things are a waste of money. (but can be worth it to people who require peace of mind)

CR also showed reliability by brand for several makers. Panasonic was best at 2% and Pioneer was shown at 3%.